preliminary

/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/

/prɪˈlɪmɪneri/ adjective

Definition

› coming before or done to prepare for a main or more important action, event, etc: preliminary data/numbers/statistics The preliminary numbers indicate that all classes of creditors have accepted the plan. A final report showed inflation rising 2.4%, up from a preliminary estimate of 2.3%. He emphasized that the commissioner's decision is only preliminary. The National Transportation Safety Board, in a preliminary report, did not say what may have caused the crash. The case was dismissed because prosecutors were not ready for the preliminary hearing.preliminary agreement/approval/decision The commission has given preliminary approval to another 27 projects totaling $3.1 billion.a preliminary inquiry/investigation At present a preliminary investigation is under way. preliminary discussions/meetings/talks

(Definition of preliminary adjective from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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